The Daily Gamecock 2/10/10

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

VOL. 103, NO. 88 ● SINCE 1908

SGTV makes Comedy Central ‘Tosh.0’ picks up ‘Demarcus and Chang’ for tonight’s ‘clip of the week’ Jonathan Batagglia

Friday

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

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Men’s basketball rivalry The Gamecocks will once again take on the Gators after three close games with last-minute shots.

See page 15

Last week, Joey Thompson, a third-year media arts student, told his group of writers for the comedy TV show “Skitzophrenia” on Student Gamecock Television that they needed to market themselves better. Tonight at 10:30, a skit from the show will air on Comedy Central’s “Tosh.0.”

Comedian Daniel Tosh hosts the show — a sarcastic commentary on online video clips, popular culture and celebrities.

The 29-second clip entitled “Demarcus and Chang” satirizes daytime talk shows with elevator music, slow mot ion dancing and t wo co-host s played by USC students. The punch line is Chang is the black co-host, and Demarcus is the Asian co-host.

“It’s funny, but it speaks volumes about stereotypes,” said Thompson, who started the comedy show during his freshman year. “No one’s above racism.”

Thompson said he came up with the concept for “Demarcus and Chang” where he does most of his thinking: in the shower. He credits the spontaneous dancing of Ellen DeGeneres for the skit’s inspiration.

“Demarcus and Chang” first aired on SGT V last September in a fall semester episode of “Skitzophrenia.”

Two days after uploading the skit to FunnyorDie.com, a comedy video Web site, Thompson was contacted by a “Tosh.0” producer.

T he cl ip w i l l be feat u red a s t he show ’s “u sersubmitted clip of the week” and comes with a $200 prize for “Skitzophrenia’s” production group, Dinobrite Productions. Since the skit’s appearance on “Tosh.0” was announced, views of “Demarcus and Chang” have spiked

Keri Goff / THE DAILY GAMECOCK

Michael Shoppell, Joseph Boldy, Fabio Frey and Joey Thompson pose with a screenshot. by 2,500, Thompson said.

“I’ve seen such an increase in people’s motivation on our crew, and we have an influx of people coming in,” Thompson said. “Kids from my high school are already trying to vie for spots next year. I feel like a college football coach recruiting these kids.”

Bakari Lebby, a second-year marketing student, plays “Chang” in the skit. Lebby, who has never watched SGTV ● 3

SEE THEM TONIGHT: COMEDY CENTRAL “TOSH.0” 10:30 PM WATCH EVERY EPISODE OF SKITZOPHRENIA ONLINE AT WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/DINOBRITE

Green competition feeds on old rivalry Do Your Worst Debut

Recyclemania promotes eco-friendly lifestyle throughout spring semester

USC students performed for the first time at New B r o o k l a n d Ta v e r n , rocking out to their own upbeat songs and a few well-known favorites.

James McCoy

THE DAILY GAMECOCK

See page 10

Opinion Grab Bag Sam Bennett / THE DAILY GAMECOCK

The Garnet Army cheers on the Gamecocks in the upset victory against the UK Wildcats.

Viewpoints columnists weigh in on which direction the Tea Party should continue.

See page 9

SG president issues apology after UK resolution backfires Statement issued in jest offends Wildcat fans Josh Dawsey

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

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Outrage over a USC Student Government resolution mocking Kentucky’s athletics program led SG President Meredith Ross to send the Wildcats an apology this weekend.

The resolution, which passed after USC’s recent upset of the Wildcats in basketball, offered UK “tissues and bandages for the wounded egos, hearts and minds of the Wildcat nation.”

It said “any University of South Carolina major sports program is far superior to any Kentucky will ever put together” and trumped Cocky as a better mascot. It also noted USC’s 11-season winning streak in football.

“If I had it do over again, I wouldn’t have sent the resolution,” said Ross, a fourthyear political science student. “But there was an understanding between our two student governments it was a joke. We just wanted to start a friendly rivalry and were looking forward to them sending us something back.”

Sen. Mat t Ungar, t he aut hor of t he resolution, admitted the wording was a little too much. But he echoed Ross’s remarks it was sent in friendly jest.

Kentucky Student Government leaders told USC leaders they understood the resolution was a joke between the two universities, who recently met during a conference of SEC leaders.

“They’re enjoying their 10 minutes of fame and being cocky just like their mascot,”

Kentucky SG President Ryan Smith told the Kentucky Kernel, UK’s campus newspaper.

“Every once and a while you get lucky. Props to Devan Downey, he played his heart out.”

Smith said the university wouldn’t be sending a resolution in return.

Comments on the Kernel’s Web site were mostly negative towards USC’s Student Government.

“A s a st udent of USC , t his act ually embarrasses me. I understand that it may have originated as a joke, but it may be one of the least classiest, most disrespectful things I have ever seen,” user Hannah said on the Kernel’s Web site. “To see that this comes from the university’s student government is absolutely horrid.”

Bert, another commenter on the Web site, called USC the “fat chick that hangs out with the popular girls. They really don’t belong or contribute to the group, but everyone is nice to them because they respect the crowd they mingle with.”

Commenters on the Web site are not required to leave their actual identities or contact information.

Ross, along with SG Vice President Alex Stroman , say they’ve received harassing phone calls, nasty e-mails and hate-filled Facebook messages.

Students at Kentucky discovered Stroman’s cell phone number, and Ross said some South Carolina students and alumni were upset too.

“My original thing was I didn’t know about doing this,” Stroman said. “We still haven’t beaten them in Rupp Arena yet.”

Save you r bot t les a nd newspapers becau se Recyclemania is here. The event, which began Jan. 17 and will go on until March 27, allows the University to build two good habits that always feel good: recycling and beating Clemson.

The event, hosted by SAGE and RHA, hopes to excite the green thumb on campus by playing on the intense USC-Clemson rivalry.

The staff of Recyclemania hopes to see an influx of student support similar to that of the blood drive which took place earlier in the school year.

“The success of any program on the campus is directly connected to the involvement of the students,” said Jason Craig, assistant director for the Learning Center for Sustainable Future.

The rivalry is not the only thing that should help to get students excited about the recycling. The 10-week program is also going to host events on Greene Street while allowing students to win various prizes during the “Caught Green Handed” campaign.

Caught Green Handed is a campaign which takes place throughout Recyclemania, where an army of students are going to be on the lookout for students participating in the event by throwing trash in the recycling bin, according to Roxy Lendso, a second-year environmental science student.

“Students that are caught will be given an coupon where they can redeem prizes which can range from a T-shirt to an iPod shuffle,” Lendso said.

Recyclemania is just one small step that the University as a whole is taking to promote a more sustainable campus. As the campus has made it a great priority to search extensively for alternative power sources, the progress has made a strong impression on the global Green ● 2

Chad Simmons / THE DAILY GAMECOCK

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Recycling used plastic bottles is just one way students can participate in Recyclemania, hosted by SAGE and RHA.

The Daily Gamecock ● WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

PAGE 2

Green ● Continued from 1

Ben Fine / THE DAILY GAMECOCK

A game-day shuttle to and from Carolina Stadium will operate through baseball season and aims to provide students with a safer mode of transportation as well increase attendance at baseball games.

Game-day shuttle safe option Alternate mode of transportation to baseball games free for students Sara Hartley

STAFF WRITER

The Office of Vehicle Management and Parking Services will operate a game-day shuttle to and from Carolina Stadium during baseball season.

Beginning two hours prior to every home game, the shuttles will pick up fans at the Colonial Life Arena (Coliseum lot B) and at Greene Street in front of the Russell House. The shuttles will run until one hour after the end of each game and drop off passengers at the same locations. Limited service will also be available during games.

USC students with a current ID can ride for free, as well as children ages four and under. Others can pay a round-trip fee of $2 per person, or purchase a season pass for $60.

Tickets can be purchased at each pick-up site, and people can also leave their cars in Coliseum lot B at no additional charge. No open containers will be allowed on the shuttles, according to the University’s Web site.

For students who live on campus and don’t have cars, the shuttle provides a way to get to the games without having to walk far.

Ellyn Quigg, a first-year exercise science student, said she does not have a car and will definitely use the shuttle.

“I probably wouldn’t go to baseball games otherwise,” Quigg said.

Media relations staff member Bond Nickles said the game-day shuttle has been running for baseball games since the stadium opened, making this the second season it will be offered.

“It was a great success last year and I think it will continue to be

great this year,” said Derrick Huggins, associate vice president for transportation.

Game-day shuttles operate for football, baseball and basketball games and began during the 2008 football season.

“The main reason was to provide a safer route for students to attend games,” said Teresa Tidwell-Smith of Vehicle Management and Parking Services.

Tidwell-Smith said the initial goal was to reduce the of students walking to the football stadium on Assembly Street since it is a main thoroughfare with a lot of traffic.

“The shuttle easily gets fans [to games] and helps eliminate congestion,” Tidwell-Smith said, adding that this also leaves more space for tailgating.

The game-day shuttles are operated by the Office of Vehicle Management and Parking Services and are funded in part by the athletics department.

Carolina’s home opener is Friday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. against Duquesne. For those who do decide to drive there, public parking lots will be available near the baseball stadium.

Several lots are available for public game-day parking, some of which are free. When these fill up, additional parking can be found for $5 or $10. These lots are all within a few blocks of the stadium located on Devine, Blossom, Wheat and Huger streets. There are also lots available closer to the stadium and two that are open to those with season passes.

More details can be found at http://www.sc.edu/vmps/gameday. html.

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community with the construction of one of the first “green” dormitories in the United States and a scoreboard in the new baseball field which is partly powered by hydrogen fuel cell.

The staff of the Green Quad, who have not only been instrumental in Recyclemania but also a key participant in promoting sustainabilit y on the campus, believe that these small steps are exactly what is necessary to help change the mindset of people about recycling.

“Recycling is really easy. The key objective to Recyclemania is to show people how easy it is to produce a more sustainable environment for us all. It all starts with a bunch of small steps that really help to make a big difference,” said David Whiteman, director of the Green Quad Learning Center and a political science professor.

As the buzz about Recyclemania begins to pick up across the campus, the results seem to vary. Even students who seem to only make recycling a priority when it is convenient will try to pay more attention to the recycling bins in order to help the cause.

“Sometimes the recycling bins are just too inconvenient for me to drop my trash in,” David Adams, a fourth-year psychology student, said. “When I am in a rush I just make sure that I find a trash can for it then go on my way.”

This attitude does not cover the ent i re st udent popu lat ion. Some students have always understood the importance of recycling, like Micah Oliver, a fourth-year political science student.

“I always try to make it a point to recycle because that is where the trash really belongs,” Oliver said. “The Recyclemania event is not going to make me recycle more than I already do because it has always been a habit of mine.”

If you ever wonder how we are progressing against Clemson, just take a moment and look at the bulletin board on the second floor of Russell House because that is where your questions can be answered.

Before you t hrow t hat Monster energy drink can in the trash can, just listen to the philosophical approach to rec ycl i ng f rom second-yea r international business and economics student Karen Guillory, who is the head of sustainability: “It creates jobs, conserves natural resources, reduces the amount of trash in the landfills and it is fairly easy to do so why not recycle?” Guillory said.

Comments on this story?

E-mail sagcknew@mailbox.sc.edu

Texting taxes brain resources Studies show talking, texting on cell phones, require motor skills crucial to driving Maggie Love

THE DAILY GAMECOCK

How often has your cell phone gone off while you were driving and you didn’t think twice about answering the call or responding to the text message? Certainly most college students have found themselves in similar situations at some point or another.

Most people consider themselves safe drivers whether they use their phones while on the road or not, but the U.S. Department of Transportation seems to disagree. On Jan. 26, the U.S. Department of Transportation decided to ban bus and truck drivers from using cell phones while driving.

Many states have already passed or are initiating legislation to regulate the use of cell phones while driving in hope of making highways safer.

Amit Almor, a USC psychology researcher, has conducted research that supports such bans.

Almor completed two studies in 2008 and 2009 that focus on the demands of the brain’s activity while driving and talking on cell phones.

“The main finding is that communication requires attention, likely because when we communicate with a person who is not next to us, we have to construct and update a ‘mental model’ of this other person and the content of the communication,” Almor said.

The process of making mental images in unison with verbal communication requires the use of what psychologists call “executive resources” and “spatial attention.” The use of executive resources and spatial attention are two things that are also essential for driving, Almor said.

Ultimately, since talking on the phone and driving tax brain activity in many similar ways, one can conclude that doing both at the same time can be very dangerous.

Riley Long, a third-year psychology student, admits that she is guilty of talking on the phone while driving. Long is from Chattanooga, Tenn., and often finds it difficult not make phone calls during the long drives to and from Columbia.

“One of my new year’s resolutions is to cut down on both talking on the phone and texting

while driving,” Long said.

Many students often find themselves texting while driving because it is a quick and easy form of communication that fits into their busy lifestyles.

Jennifer Newman, a first-year psychology student, thinks texting and driving is difficult.

“I try not to text and drive because, not only is it hard to do but, I know that it is also dangerous,” Newman said.

Not only does texting take a toll on brain resources but it also requires that the attention be focused on the handset and the action of typing as well, creating a potentially fatal combination.

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS Freshman Council Scholarship:

Brian Comer Student Government Scholarship:

Awarded to a freshman who has made a significant contribution to the Student Body through a leadership position.

Awarded to a senior planning to attend graduate school who has greatly benefited the Student Body through a leadership position.

Student Body President’s Scholarship:

Recipients will receive notification at the annual Award’s Day ceremony. All applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the University. Selection will be based on scholarship, leadership and service. A letter of recommendation is required from a student organization advisor or faculty member addressing the applicant’s leadership abiliites and accomplishments. All materials are due Wednesday, February 17th by 4:00 pm.

Awarded to a USC student for outstanding service to the Student Body through a campus leadership position.

Applications are available at the Campus Life Center, Russell House 227 and online at www.sg.sc.edu/scholarships.htm • Questions? Please call 777-2654

Texting ● 6

COCKY’S CARAVAN Cocky’s Caravan provides rides to USC students on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm to 1am.

For a complete route map & schedule, visit: http://www.sg.sc.edu/caravan.htm

The Daily Gamecock ● WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

PAGE 3

Turn signal improves traffic New light near Greek Village received positively by pedestrians, drivers Derek Leggette STAFF WRITER

Traffic in the Greek Village has been f lowing more smoothly this semester due to the installment of a new turning signal at the intersection of Lincoln and Blossom streets.

“I’m surprised that it fi nally came to fruition,” said SG Vice President Alex Stroman.

Stroman, a third-year political science student, said that having the signal was really necessar y and can possibly save lives.

“When I was running for office last year, we made that an initiative,” he said. “With cooperation from the city of Columbia and the Department of Transportation, we defi nitely made it.”

Residents of Greek Village are satisfied with the results as well.

Second-year business student Claire Morton said the

SGTV ● Continued from 1 “Tosh.0,” said he can think of at least one person that w i l l c a l l h i m ab out h is appea r a nce on nat iona l television.

“I guess my mom might call me,” said Lebby, a staff writer for the show. “That might be weird because she heard me say ‘asshole’ on TV.” “Skitzophrenia’s” cast of writers and actors, which consist s of n ine USC st udent s , h a s c reated a following for itself online and t hrough Campus C h a n ne l 4. T ho m p s o n sa id USC ’s Med ia A r t s Depart ment is t r y ing to get the show’s writers to talk to classes about t he experience.

For now, Thompson and the rest of “Skitzophrenia” are just trying to savor the moment.

“I just told ever ybody ‘stuff like this may never happen again, so just have fun with it and milk it for all it’s worth right now,’” T ho mp s o n s a id . “ T h i s really may be the last time for something like this, but let’s hope not.”

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SGTV WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE Skitzophrenia

Mike Vick’s New Haircut 7 p.m.

Skitzophrenia

Jesse Jackson’s Racecar 7:30 p.m.

Talk of the Town NEW EPISODE 8 p.m.

Skitzophrenia

Mike Vick’s Return 8:30 p.m.

Skitzophrenia

Michael J. Fox’s Etch-a-Sketch NEW EPISODE 9 p.m.

Skitzophrenia

Bruce Mikita’s Jet Ski NEW EPISODE 9:30 p.m.

Scary movies until morning 10 p.m.

signal has greatly improved traffic coming down Blossom Street.

“Defi nitely during meal time and rush hour it’s helped a lot,” said Morton, a member of Chi Omega sorority. “The traffic used to be so bad that you couldn’t get anywhere.”

However, the process of installing the new light was not easy and did take some time.

Thomas Limehouse, secretary of Greek Affairs, said a turn signal was necessary because of the potentially heavy pedestrian traffic around Greek Life and the Strom.

“We started last summer writing letters to numerous transportation authorities in Columbia and wanted to conduct traffic studies as well,” said Limehouse, a fourthyear political science student. “At fi rst they didn’t think they needed it, but there is certainly a lot of traffic there.”

It was a long process, but eventually the school, city and state all assisted. The efforts have paid off; Limehouse said that he gets positive feedback.

“I’ve heard great things, and people in Greek Life text me all the time about it,” he said.

—Assistant News Editor Jonathan Battaglia contributed to this report

Alayna Dunkerly / THE DAILY GAMECOCK

The new turn signal at the intersection of Lincoln and Blossom street has improved the flow of traffic in the Greek Village.

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PAGE 4

The Daily Gamecock ● WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

LOCAL GOP DECIDES REJECTS FORMATION OF TEA PARTY GROUP The South Carolina GOP is ditching the idea of forming a Tea Party Republican group while leaders say they are finding ways to make the party appeal more to the activists.

Last month, there were rumblings that the Greenville Republican Party’s leadership wanted to create a formal group rattled Tea Party activists. But a couple of weekends of meetings ended with the GOP backing down and state Republican Party Chairwoman Karen Floyd holding a news conferences announcing an accord. In the Upstate, 22 Tea Party groups will work with the GOP on common goals, including “working closely to make the Republican Party more conservative,” Greenville County GOP Chairman Patrick Haddon said. Others include increasing involvement and communications at the precinct level.

The groups have “more in common than what divides us. So, we took a look at the substance and not the form,” Floyd said. Floyd stressed creating a Tea Party Republican group was never pushed at the state level.

But the concept, proposed by a state party officer, was enough to touch off a storm.

“When this whole controversy got started, we felt under threat that our movement — our values — were trying to be consumed by a political party,” said Harry Kibler, a Tea Party leader who helped broker the compromise. “We don’t like that. We came together very quickly to protect that.”

The groups “did and still do want to remain independent and work from outside the party.

But we are willing to support the goals that we have in common,” Kibler said.

NATIONAL CALIFORNIA HOMEOWNERS EVACUATE LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif. — Homeowners in mud-ravaged foothill towns north of Los Angeles packed their cars and left Tuesday as evacuation orders took hold and a new winter storm arrived.

Officials issued evacuation orders for 541 homes on the hillsides of La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Acton and two canyons. Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies went door to door, urging people to leave; those who refused signed waivers acknowledging they were aware of the risk.

Sheriff’s deputies also asked residents to move their vehicles and trash cans away from the streets, where heavy rain on Saturday caused water and rocks to roar through, smashing cars and concrete barriers together.

As heavy rain began to fall, the National Weather Service

upgraded its previous flash flood watch to a flash flood warning.

The warning continued until 5 p.m. for steep slopes of the Angeles National Forest northeast of Los Angeles that were scorched by wildfires last summer and in 2008.

The weather service said as much as a third of an inch of rain per hour was falling and thunderstorms and small hail had been spotted in and around La Canada Flintridge in the afternoon.

Many people heeded the evacuation warning, lugging clothing and backpacks to cars that rolled down roads already crusted with the remains of a weekend mudslide that damaged 43 homes.

“People, when they see what happened last Saturday, they’re ready to move,” said sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore.

About 60 to 70 percent had complied with the evacuation order, Whitmore said.

“They know what’s at stake,” said sheriff’s Sgt. Bob Furman, who was taking a lap along the mud-crusted streets to clear out stragglers. “They’ve been through this before.”

Hector Mata / The Associated Press

Henry Laguna walks around his property after a mudslide.

INTERNATIONAL DEATH TOLL RISES TO 230,000 IN HAITI PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Fourteen-month-old Abigail Charlot survived Haiti’s cataclysmic earthquake but not its miserable aftermath. Brought into the capital’s General Hospital with fever and diarrhea, little Abigail literally dried up.

“Sometimes they arrive too late,” said Dr. Adrien Colimon, the chief of pediatrics, shaking her head.

The second st age of Ha it i’s med ical emergenc y has begun, with diarrheal illnesses, acute respiratory infections and malnutrition beginning to claim lives by the dozen.

And while the half-million people jammed into germbreeding makeshift camps have so far been spared a cont ag ious-d isease outbreak , healt h of f icials fear epidemics. They are rushing to vaccinate 530,000 children against measles, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.

“It’s still tough,” said Chris Lewis, emergency health coordinator for Save the Children, which by Tuesday had treated 11,000 people at 14 mobile clinics in Port-

au-Prince, Jacmel and Leogane. “At the moment we’re providing lifesaving services. What we’d like to do is to move to provide quality, longer-term care, but we’re not there yet.”

Haiti’s government raised the death toll for the Jan. 12 earthquake to 230,000 on Tuesday — the same death toll as the 2004 Asian tsunami. Communications Minister Marie-Laurence Jocelyn Lassegue said she expects the toll to rise as more bodies are counted, and noted the number does not include bodies buried privately by funeral homes or families.

The number of deaths not directly caused by the quake is unclear; U.N. officials are only now beginning to survey the more than 200 international medical aid groups working out of 91 hospitals — most of them just collections of tents — to compile the data.

Some 300,000 people are injured. At Port-au-Prince’s General Hospital, patients continue arriving with infections in wounds they can’t keep clean because the street is their home.

Rodrigo Abd / The Associated Press

Fristmer Alex carries his daughter to the General Hospital.

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PAGE 6

The Daily Gamecock ● WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

RHA

Newly elected RHA officers make plans for future Along with continuing to support old intitiaves, Williams wants more interaction with hall government Taylor Cheney STAFF WRITER

Residence Hall Association elections were held during its Tuesday night meeting and all uncontested positions were unanimously elected.

Treasurer Derrell Brown said he plans to focus on bringing RHA to regional and national levels and Vice President Dominique Lamas hopes to revert back to having three liaisons in order to work more individually with them.

President Brian Williams has had an extensive career in RHA working as senator, campus liaison and vice president. While serving, Williams said he wants more interaction with Hall Government as he is “the vision and future of the organization next year.”

RHA is continuing to support West Quad’s efforts in promoting its eco-friendly message. It will donate $2,000 for T-shirts that read “It’s Easy Being Green” on the back.

The T-shirts will be sold on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis and will be free for Green Quad residents. They plan to sell out in order to not waste any of their products.

Other semester events for West Quad include Green Quad Music Night, Do It in The Dark and Exam Breakers.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Capstone will be screening “10 Things I Hate About You” and will be holding Date Auctions Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. for residents of

Capstone in the Capstone Ballroom. RHA Treasurer Brown will be the auctioneer.

Columbia Hall residents will have cookies and candy available Friday morning on their way to class.

ChrisBrown, President of Columbia Hall , said they will also be giving Valentine’s gifts to their maintenance staff in order to show appreciation for the work they do all year.

The Relay for Life committee has proposed t hat residence halls participate in the marathon and form teams. So far, South Tower has raised $208 for Relay for Life by issuing Candy Grams throughout the dormitories.

Representatives from the Honors Dorm said they would like all students to know that the Honeycomb Café, named in honor of the towers that previously stood there, is open for all USC students.

Texting ● Continued from 2

Do you text while driving?

Third-year psychology student

Second-year international business student

Fourth-year economics student

“I try to stay away from it, but I definitely do it from time to time.”

Nehemiah Bolton

Chris Mahannah

Michael Bowman

“Only when it’s really important.”

Jessica Clark Third-year history student

“Only a couple of times, if it’s not super important. If it’s serious I just call them.”

“I text because it’s the black thing to do.”

Jessica Smith First-year international business student

“I text all the time. I can multitask.”

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PAGE 9

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

Quit hating, love answers all problems

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief

AMANDA DAVIS Managing Editor

CALLI BURNETT Viewpoints Editor

MARILYNN JOYNER

Current situation could be worse, optimism vital

Assistant Copy Desk Chief

MICHAEL LAMBERT Assistant Viewpoints Editor

Dear Editor,

RYAN QUINN

Assistant News Editor

Assistant Sports Editor

JONATHAN BATTAGLIA

JAMES KRATCH

Historic graveyards illegally disgraced For years there has been controversy in South Carolina with the Confederate fl ag raised at the State House — among the dozens other criticism and drama the state has seen in recent history.

But should t hese t hings really be our concerns?

Nothing has changed. The flag is a symbol, yes, but for different things to different people. While it continues to divide us, we should turn our attention to things actually happening now. Like maybe the graveyards we talked about yesterday.

While a federal law is supposed to protect these historic landmarks, cemeteries in South Carolina have been far from protected as the law has not been followed.

One of the fi rst public cemeteries was where the Vista Commons apartments currently rest.

Until the 1850s, this burial ground existed. Yet, the developer decided to sell the cemetery to a railroad company instead of move it.

There is a legal process in Why is all the the South Carolina Code of common about the Laws to move a graveyard, but instead of abiding by the Confederate flag law, the cemetery was dug up for development. this law is broken, it and Sanford when is aIffederal offense, but the St at e Law E n forcement cemeteries are D i v i s i o n d i d n o t h a v e enough evidence to charge being destroyed? anyone.

A lt hough af ter t he cemetery was disrespected, it was bought by a railroad company, which did not take correct efforts to protect the graves. It was just huge mess that snow-balled into the Vista Commons being built on this historic cemetery without further investigation.

It is ridiculous that all the commotion is about the Confederate flag and Sanford, when historical places and cemeteries are being destroyed left and right with no federal action. South Carolina needs to protect its history as it happens or else there will be none left.

OPINION GRAB BAG Columnists weigh in on which direction the Tea Party should take from here T h e Te a Pa r t y s h o u l d g o t h e direction of the Whig Party. The socalled “party,” even though it isn’t an official one, is disorganized and can’t find common ground. We have no need to stop spending in a time when our economy needs government spending to keep af loat. Also, the “fair tax” is ridiculous: how would our countr y survive if college students pay the same percentage in taxes as Bill Gates?

-Ryan Quinn The Tea Parties resonated precisely because they were a decentralized series of protests. I’m afraid if they hold too many events like the recent convention t hey’ll become exactly t he k ind of institutionalized political organization they were opposing to start with. But no matter what happens I hope they stay around. The small government philosophy needs to have a voice in the debate right now.

-Richard Wood Our country needs a third option in terms of political parties. However, I really don’t think the tea party would be a good choice. The majority of people who support the tea party are old white people ... doesn’t differ too much from conservatives and therefore wouldn’t really offer anything new.

-Lauren Hadley

It would be great for our country to have a legitimate third party option.

It seems unlikely that the Tea Party could become that, but if they want to be relevant they should go in that direction. That strategy might hurt conservatism overall by splitting votes bet ween Republican and Tea Part y candidates, but with attention lovers like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck leading the Tea Party charge, it is hard to imagine that they’ll care.

-Peter Schaeffi ng What direction should the party take?

Quiet oblivion. These citizens in their elaborate protests do not show a cogent or cohesive voice, and their party — if they have one — remains a microphone to the most disparaging elements of conservatism today. The Republican party needs reform, both in terms of its image and its ability to compromise; it should treat this Tea Party as an unruly, direct ionless you nger brot her and shamelessly disown it.

-Michael Lambert

End marijuana consumption, cease violence Americans should stop smoking weed to prevent Mexican bloodshed, make step towards legalization A couple of weeks ago, The Daily Gamecock featured an editorial that stated that U.S. demand for marijuana funds drug cartels in Mexico.

Students reacted with letters to the editor and the online version was besieged with comments. Most of these students recognized that their use of pot fed the violence in Mexico, yet they failed to take any responsibility for it.

Almost ubiquitous among these comments was the suggestion that the government legalize weed.

It is true that if weed were legalized, Mexican drug cartels, which mainly rely on marijuana, would be dealt a lethal blow and many U.S. problems would evaporate. But the responsibility for the bloodshed in Mexico can’t be entirely blamed on our government. We buy the product. We are the consumers, and in a capitalist society, the power of

the dollar is often more influential than the power of the vote.

The argument of the aforement ioned st udent s is completely illogical at best, sadistic at worst. They say that it’s the government’s fault that people are dying due to their hobby. They fail to realize that they can put down the joint at any time.

Ryan I believe that weed should be legal.

Quinn Second-year I have smoked weed before, but I print pledge to do it no longer. I support journalism marijuana rights, but that doesn’t student mean that I’m going to keep using it and contributing to the degradation of an entire country.

This is how you should convince to government to legalize it. Put the drug down. Show them that it’s not an addiction. Show them that you would rather save lives than get high. March on Washington D.C. Assemble, protest, write to Congress.

Don’t put up a Bob Marley poster, get stoned and

year in school and area of study.

We also invite student leaders and USC faculty members to submit guest c o l u m n s . C o l u m n i s t s s h o u l d ke e p submissions to about 50 0 words in length and include the author’s name and position. Guest columns are limited to three per author per semester.

The editor reserves the right to edit and condense submissions for length and clarity, or not publish at all.

All submissions become the property of The Daily Gamecock and must conform to the legal standards of USC Student Media.

CORRECTIONS If you find an error in today’s edition of The Daily Gamecock, let us know about it. E-mail sagckvew@mailbox.sc.edu and we will print the correction in our next issue.

Sincerely, Christina Snyder Third-year English student

SOMETHING RUFFLING YOUR FEATHERS? SEND YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO SAGCKVEW@ MAILBOX.SC.EDU.

PLEASE AIM FOR AROUND 550 WORDS.

About The Daily Gamecock

IT’S YOUR RIGHT The goal of The Daily Gamecock’s Viewpoints page is to stimulate discussion in the University of South Ca r o l i n a c o m m u n i t y. A ll p u b l i s h e d authors are expected to provide logical arguments to back their views.

The Daily Gamecock encourages readers to voice opinions and offers three methods of expression: letters to the editor, guest columns and feedback on dailygamecock.com.

Letters and guest columns should be submitted via e-mail to gamecockeditor@ sc.edu. Letters must be 200 to 300 words in length and include the author’s name,

rant on The Daily Gamecock’s Web site. You’re not helping the pot movement. You’re showing the rest of society that you would rather do something illegal and fund drug cartels than show responsibility and petition for legalization in a smart legitimate way.

Sure, if everyone keeps on smoking pot it will no doubt be legalized. But it will be at a high cost.

Many compare the situation in Mexico to that of the U.S. during prohibition. Yes, everyone kept on drinking and eventually the 18th Amendment was repealed. But not before illegal consumption of alcohol ushered in the gangster era and tore this country apart. If only people had put down the moonshine — thus discrediting reason for prohibition in the first place, the idea that people couldn’t responsibly handle alcohol — and marched on Washington demanding their rights back. Or simply voted in people who supported alcohol.

Bob Marley said legalize it. He also sang about peace. You can have both things, you just have to go about it the right way. Put the joint down, pick up a picket sign, and we’ll see legalization sooner than you think.

What this country needs more than anything right now is love.

We need to stop judging each other, hating others for where t hey are f rom and start tolerating people no matter what their major, r a c e , a g e , o r ie nt at io n , relig ion or polit ical background may be.

Let’s open ourselves up to g ive and receive love as well as kindness. This is not i ntended to be a message of mushiness or a false sense of reality.

Things in this country are admittedly not great, b u t it c o u ld a l w a y s b e worse.

Love you r neighbor a s you r s el f a s muc h a s possible. Volunteer your assistance to those in need, whether it is within this country or outside of it. Do not forget that we are all human: flawed yet gifted in some way. Hard work will pay off.

You may not have all of the answers right now, and there are some questions that will not be answered in your lifetime, but being unsure or not having all the “right” answers is not a reason to treat others with disrespect.

As young adults, let’s be open to new experiences and maintain a sense of open ness towards ou r friends and even strangers.

We are all trying to find where we belong in t his crazy world.

So let’s put on some good music and have a great time together while we’re here.

Editor-in-Chief AMANDA DAVIS Managing Editor CALLI BURNETT Copy Desk Chief SAMANTHA EDWARDS Assistant Copy Desk Chief MICHAEL LAMBERT Design Director MEGAN HILBERT Assistant Design Director BRIAN DRESDOW News Editor KARA APEL Assistant News Editors JONATHAN BATTAGLIA JOSH DAWSEY Viewpoints Editor MARILYNN JOYNER Assistant Viewpoints Editor RYAN QUINN The Mix Editor JIMMY GILMORE Assistant Mix Editor KELSEY PACER Sports Editor CHRIS COX

Assistant Sports Editor JAMES KRATCH Photo Editor KERI GOFF Assistant Photo Editor SCOTT FOWLER Multimedia Director GEOFFREY MARSI Page Designers BRENNAN WARE, KRISTYN WINCH, CHRIS BROWN Staff Writers SARA HARTLEY, CHRIS BILKO, PAIGE KIRBY, DEREK LEGGETTE, TAYLOR CHENEY, NEIL HUGHES, COLIN CAMPBELL, RYAN VELASQUEZ Copy Editors PAULINA BERKOVICH, SARAH NELSON, KRISTYN SANITO, CASSIE STANTON, LINDSAY WOLFE, LINA ROTMAN, KENNY DORIAN Photographers DAVID WALTERS, JEREMY AARON Public Relations Director JESSICA SCANLON

Graduate Assistant COURTNEY GRAHAM Student Media Director SCOTT LINDENBERG Faculty Adviser ERIK COLLINS Creative Director EDGAR SANTANA Business Manager CAROLYN GRIFFIN Advertising Manager SARAH SCARBOROUGH Classifieds Manager SHERRY F. HOLMES Production Manager C. NEIL SCOTT Creative Services DEMETRIOUS COOPER, KELLIE DUFF, LIZ HOWELL, MADDIE MCDOWELL, KAILEY WARING Advertising JULIE CANTER, HANNAH COOK, CARLY GALLAGHER, NATALIE HICKS, PHILIP KISELICK, QUINCY ROBINSON, LAUREN SPIRES, MEGHAN TANKERSLEY JUSTIN WILT

CONTACT INFORMATION Offices located on the third floor of the Russell House Editor: gamecockeditor@sc.edu News: sagcknew@mailbox.sc.edu Viewpoints: sagckvew@mailbox.sc.edu The Mix: sagcketc@mailbox.sc.edu Sports: sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu Online: www.dailygamecock.com Newsroom: 777-7726 Sports: 777-7182 Editor’s Office: 777-3914 Fax: 777-6482 The Daily Gamecock is the editorially independent student newspaper of the University of South Carolina. It is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and nine times during the summer with the exception of university holidays and exam periods. Opinions expressed in The Daily Gamecock are those of the editors or author and not those of the University of South Carolina.

The Board of Student Publications and Communications is the publisher of The Daily Gamecock. The Department of Student Media is the newspaper’s parent organization. The Daily Gamecock is supported in part by student-activity fees. One free copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each from the Department of Student Media.

“Education is the transmission of civilization.”

— Will Durant

PAGE 10

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

Romance novels off er sweet escape Valentine’s Day chance to indulge in naughty, nice

Pop-punk group makes rocks out debut with high-energy show at New Brookland

Katie Crocker

THE DAILY GAMECOCK

Chloe Gould

THE DAILY GAMECOCK

Kicking off their on-stage career last Wednesday at New Brookland Tavern’s new music night , pop-punk band Do Your Worst is ready to step into Columbia’s music scene.

Featuring Kevin Winch, a fourth-year English and secondar y education student, on vocals and guitar; Cameron Morrell, a fourthyear media arts student, on guitar and vocals; Brett Pickert, a fourthyear sport and entertainment management student, on bass; and Colin Morrell, a junior at A.C. Flora High School, on drums, Do Your Worst began right here on USC’s campus.

Winch and Cameron, who met during their freshman year in Capstone, put together the skeleton for the band after writing a song for their fi nal project in music theory.

“We took some time off during our sophomore year, and began to take the band seriously this year,” Winch said. “We fi nally wrote songs that we enjoy playing and refi ned our sound.”

The guys, who draw a lot of their inspiration from big names like New Found Glory, Set Your Goals, Four Year Strong and The Wonder Years, do their best to reflect their musical tastes while keeping their audience involved.

“We try to write energetic, upbeat, positive songs that are fun to play and fun to listen to,” Winch said.

Do Your Worst does write all of their own music, with Winch and Cameron working together to write the guitar parts, lyrics and vocal melodies.

“We draw inspiration from the events in our own lives,” Winch said.

“What we are feeling, what we are going through and the bands we are listening to at the time.”

With six original songs rounding out their set, the band also loves covers. Featuring “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn and “Flavor of the Week” by American Hi-Fi, the guys and their fans can’t help but love these additions to the line-up. “[It] gives us the opportunity to better connect with our fans, since they are more likely to know the words to a cover than one of our original songs that hasn’t been recorded yet,” Winch said. “And, it allows us to pay homage to some of our favorite songs.”

Wednesday’s show at New Brookland Tavern was Do Your Worst’s first opportunity, aside from a small house-show for Pickert’s 21st birthday, to showcase this connection with their audience.

Chloe Gould / THE DAILY GAMECOCK

Cameron Morrell (left) and Kevin Winch sing and play guitar to their original music at their premier performance at New Brookland Tavern.

“We appreciated the enthusiasm and open-mindedness,” Winch said.

“Every band has to start somewhere, and we certainly appreciate all the support we can get.”

As a part of new music night, their performance was, in sorts, a test of their sound and stage presence in consideration for paid shows in the future.

“We may not be the most talented musicians, but what we lack in talent, we make up for with our enthusiasm and sense of humor,” Winch said.

With another show set at New Brookland Tavern for sometime in March, the guys are planning to release a six-song EP in the next few months. For now, their tracks “Go Back To Ohio” and “Rise To Honor” are on their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/doyourworstmusic.

“Our music is something that we care deeply about and put a lot of effort into,” Winch said. “We’re thankful for all the people who take the time to listen to it.”

Comments on this story?

E-mail sagcketc@mailbox.sc.edu

Monologues hold nothing back Annual production relates sex, violence, relationships, raises money for victims Kenny Dorian

THE DAILY GAMECOCK

“If your vagina talked, what would it say? If your vagina got dressed, what would it wear?”

Women are asked these questions and many more in the annual production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues,” coming to USC Feb. 11, 12 and 13 at various locations around campus.

The production — sponsored by the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA), VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood and SHARE — features about 15 out of the hundreds of inter views Ensler conducted wit h women about their experiences with sex, violence and relationships.

This production does not shy away from these topics and discusses sex in a very open and honest way, including a comprehensive list of sexual moans.

“The show talks about sex in a blunt, fun way,” director Spencer Cantrell said. “Audiences are also shocked at how vividly atrocities against women are described.”

Cantrell, a fourth-year international studies and women’s and gender studies student, said that both men and women can gain something from “Vagina Monologues.”

“I want women to feel empowered, but I also want to raise awareness about the variety of issues women face,” Cantrell said. “This awareness is important to both men and women so the violence can stop.”

Cantrell said the show does more than build awareness, because the proceeds from “Vagina Monologues” go to the Women’s Shelter of Columbia.

Lacy Lee, a fourth-year broadcast journalism student, said she likes that the show raises money for domestic violence victims, especially because she knows some victims personally.

“I like being on stage, especially when it’s for a good cause,” Lee said.

Jessamine Ali said after she saw the production and related to the stories, she wanted to be a part of it.

“I love it,” said Ali, a third-year international studies and economics student. “This is my

Kenny Dorian / THE DAILY GAMECOCK

USC students rehearse for their roles in the upcoming performance of “Vagina Monologues.”

Speakers are excited to take the stage and raise money for domestic violence victims. second year with the ensemble. It’s a ver y liberating experience, and it’s an honor to speak on behalf of so many women.”

Ali is one of six women who are returning to the “Vagina Monologues” for their second or third year in a row.

“I’m so grateful that this opportunit y is available at the college level,” Ali said. “It’s a great time for people to open their ears and hear those stories and learn the beauty of the vagina.”

Kassie Mae Miller, first-year public health and social work graduate student , said it is beneficial to talk about vaginas and to become de-sensitized to the word “vagina.”

“Talking about vaginas reduces the stigma surrounding them,” Miller said.

The costumes are minimal and the women sit together in a semicircle, stepping forward one by one to tell their stories, much like a support group.

Tickets to the show are $8 for students and $12 for the public. Tickets can be bought at the door or from the cast members themselves from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Greene Street every day through Friday. The cast will also be selling chocolate vaginas, which Miller said were “made with love.”

Comments on this story?

E-mail sagcketc@mailbox.sc.edu

“VAGINA MONOLOGUES” SHOW TIMES AND DATES Feb. 11 8 p.m. Gambrell 153 Feb. 12 8 p.m. Jones Science Center 210 Feb. 13 3 p.m. BA 005 $8 FOR STUDENTS $12 FOR THE PUBLIC

A not her hol iday has r e a c he d it s lo n g g r a s p to embody our lives and m i nd s . Perh ap s more debated t ha n a ny ot her holiday, Valent ine’s Day is t he most u sele ss a nd product ive day i n t he world.

It’s a day to spoil your sweetheart with gifts that don’t come in a box, but are made that much more special by the label slapped o n t h e d a y. Fo r g u y s , a bouquet of f lower s, a bottle of cheap wine and clean hair is not enough for girlfriends. Something extra has to be planned at the end of their usual night out on the town.

However, for t he rest of us who are single and seeking someone to hold, we are always keeping a lookout for t hat special someone. It’s as if the day holds some kind of mystical p ower set dow n b y t he c reator s to w i l l a m ate straight into our arms.

For g uys, that’s prett y easy this year since Valent ine’s Day falls on the weekend and the bars will all be open. For those g i rl s w ho a r e hop ele s s romantics, you best avoid such places, because t he only thing that will fall into your lap is a spilled glass of beer or a loose hand.

T hose who wa nt to avoid t he hol iday at a l l costs are at a loss, as the bookstores take advantage of t he primal call t hat’s made public during t his o n e m o n t h . Ye s , t h e u n m ist a k ably naught y books about passion in the bedroom, containing sex stories you thought would never leave the covers, are put on display for the whole world to see.

Perhaps there is no better place to start discussing t he naught y world of literature than those first unmentionables, the dime store romance novels. No, they don’t sell for a dime any more, but t hat’s like tr ying to get a good cup of coffee for a buck; it’s not going to happen in this day and age.

T he ba sic concept of t he t r a shy novel h a sn’t cha nged: Sell t hem fast a nd qu ic k . T he y a ren’t meant to be Pulitzer Prize winners; they are put here for t he sole pu r pose of entertaining the masses.

How do t he y s u r v ive through the ages? Quite s i m p l y, b e c a u s e t h e i r b e d r o o m s c e ne s wou ld excite a rock. Humans will never grow tired of things that bring them pleasure.

There are thousands of books on the subject, and most times they’re all about guiding us toward how to have better sex. There is one, however, that is the mother of all guides and has stemmed a thousand offspring.

The “Kama Sutra” is an ancient I ndian text t hat i s h a l f s e x m a nu a l a nd ha lf relat ionsh ip g u ide.

Topic s i nc lude de a l i ng with prostitutes, ex-lovers and proper court ing techniques.

The original was written Books ● 11

The Daily Gamecock ● WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

PAGE 11

‘Community’ stars hope to earn a passing grade from network Comedy one of several shows vying to be renewed for fall television lineup Rick Bentley MCT Campus

LOS ANGELES — Decisions as to which network shows will be asked back for the 2010-11 season will be made over the next couple months.

For NBC’s new comedy “Community,” it’s like being a college freshman with a 2.0 GPA — it’s doing OK but there’s no guarantee it will return for a sophomore year.

For those of you who have not found this cool comedy, “Community” features the biggest band of misfit schoolmates since “The Breakfast Club.” Their leader, Jeff (Joel McHale), is an ex-lawyer who is more interested in the social aspects of community college than making the grade.

The show has gotten critical support but when it comes to viewers, “Community” falls in the middle of the 130 network programs on the five networks.

A solut ion for t he low rat ings from Chevy Chase, who plays the world-savvy community college student Pierce, has him thinking like a transfer student.

“We could go to another network,” Chase sarcastically suggested during an interview on the set.

It’s rare for a TV show to transfer to another network, so “Community” must survive NBC’s pass-fail thinking.

Yvette Nicole Brown, who plays a middleaged divorcee/college student, is thinking more optimistically.

“I am really proud of the work we are

doing, and I feel like the people who are supposed to find the show will find the show,” Brown said. “I am happy NBC gave us a full year and I hope viewers will find us.”

Jeff’s other study buddies at Greendale Community College include Britta (Gillian Jacobs), the object of his attention; Abed (Danny Pudi), a pop culture guru; Annie (Alison Brie), the perfectionist; and jock Troy (Donald Glover). “The Hangover” maniac Ken Jeong plays Spanish professor Señor Chang.

Te l e v i s i o n h i s t o r y i s f i l l e d w it h comedies that struggled the first year but grew into major hits, including “Cheers” and “Seinfeld.” No one is suggest ing “Community” will end up as big of a hit, but it certainly stands out against NBC’s comedy-thin “Parks & Recreation” (ranked 91 of 130 network shows), which just got an order for a third season.

Giving a grade to a television show is a lot different these days than when “Cheers” and “Seinfeld” were on the air. This is the era of TiVo, Hulu, On Demand and watching full seasons on DVD. That means the success of a show like “Community” might not become clear for years.

There are some clues the show has fans.

On the Halloween episode, Jeong used the phrase “Mexican Halloween,” referring to a sexual position. The next day, the phrase was the most-searched item on Google.

Over the next few weeks, “Community” will try to earn enough points with viewers to get NBC executives to give it a passing grade.

Comments on this story?

E-mail sagcketc@mailbox.sc.edu

Books ● Continued from 10 in Sanskrit and has since been translated, adapted, condensed and re-written by a variety of authors. “The Complete Kama Sutra,” translated by Alain Daniélou and featured on Amazon.com, even comes with artist-rendered graphic depictions of the sexual positions described in the original.

So in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, indulge in your senses and don’t be afraid to pick up a book of trashy passion.

Comments on this story?

E-mail sagcketc@sc.edu

Get Your Car Ready for Spring Break!

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Courtesy of MCT Campus

Joel McHale stars as Jeff in NBC’s “Community,” which is aiming for a second season.

The Daily Gamecock ● WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

PAGE 12

Witty script shines in Best Pic nominee Period drama ‘An Education’ takes humorous, personal look into coming-of-age tale Neal Hughes

STAFF WRITER

An Education NOW IN THEATERS ★ ★ ★ ★ out of ✩✩✩✩✩

Courtesy of The Associated Press

Carey Mulligan in Oscar-nominated for her lead performance as Jenny in 1960s coming-of-age drama, “An Education.” The film received three Oscar nominations.

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Director: Lone Scherfig Starring: Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina Run Time: 95 minutes Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic material involving sexual content In t he recent ly released Best Pict ure nominees list for the Academy Awards, 10 films were honored among all the movies released this year; “An Education” is one of them .

Director Lone Scherfig’s stylishly-shot drama invokes an overwhelming sense of nostalgia with its classic setting and old-fashioned attitude and values.

“A n Educat ion” begins w it h an open invitation to step inside a young girl’s life as it approaches a crossroads. The audience is granted the opportunity to watch her character realistically mature and develop during the film, creating a powerful bond between actress and viewer.

Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is a schoolgirl whose only goal in her life has been to get accepted into Oxford. Mulligan takes the role and creates a paradox of maturity and wild-eyed naiveté, resulting in a strong and emotionally complex character. Jenny’s goal of Oxford admittance has been strongly encouraged to the point of requirement by her father Jack, played by a very well-cast Alfred Molina, who makes sure Jenny knows her spot at the university is not just desired, it is imperative.

As with every child raised by an overbearing parent, Jenny leads a sheltered and mundane life comprised of studying and resume-building

extracurricular activities. She robotically accepts her existence out of ignorance until she meets David (Peter Sarsgaard). David is a charming Casanova who leads Jenny into a world of glamour and prosperity, which causes her to question every preconceived notion of life she had ever held.

“An Education” sets up an inevitable situation in which a young girl discovers what she truly desires out of life and takes the daring step from childhood into womanhood. Watching Jenny develop into the person she wants to be was the most gratifying part of the film.

Scherfig does not create just a stereotypical teenage girl, but instead develops an individual whose emotions reach out to the audience and ensnare them in a vividly told story of love and the decisions that affect one’s life.

Each character plays a vital role in the film, and Scherfig makes sure that each actor or actress brings something important to the film.

With each passing minute, “An Education” builds and finally culminates with revealing more unexpected depth to each character. The protagonist aside, it’s fascinating to witness each role achieve some actualization — albeit small — for themselves and truly demonstrate that emotional growth never ends.

The most notable part of “An Education” is the script, which is written sharply and humorously by Nick Hornby, who adapted it from a memoir by Ly nn Barber. “A n Education” succeeds on many levels, but it shines most with the dialogue, which is an adept combination of wit and bare emotion.

The interaction between characters is elevated through linguistically pleasing retorts and quipping insights.

It is unlikely that “An Education” will win Best Picture or any of the three Oscars it has been nominated for (the others being Best Actress for Mulligan and Best Adapted Screenplay for Hornby) ; however, it is impossible to argue with the well-polished nature of film. It is truly a cinematic treat, combining a perfect balance of humor, acumen and a zest for the answers that life forces us to discover through experience.

Comments on this story?

E-mail sagcketc@mailbox.sc.edu

PAGE 13

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

Inside the Box ● By Marlowe Leverette / The Daily Gamecock

Calendar of Events IN THE RUSSELL HOUSE What: ESA Candy Grams Sale When: 10 a.m.

Where: Greene Street What: Phi Mu Philanthropy When: 10 a.m.

Where: Outside Russell House

Theater

What: Haiti Awareness event promotion When: noon Where: RH Lobby What: NAACP at USC meeting When: 5 p.m.

Where: RH Theater What: Student Senate meeting When: 5 p.m.

Where: RH, Room 322/326

The Scene TODAY JERSEY SHORE PARTY 8 p.m., free New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St. $10 PARACHUTE WITH SPECIAL GUEST 7:30 p.m., $5 The White Mule, 1530 Main St.

PhD ● By Jorge Chan

What: Wakeboarding Club meeting When: 8 p.m.

Where: RH, Room 305 SPORTS SCHEDULE

What: FMLA Vagina Monologues Tabling event When: 11 a.m.

Where: Greene Street

Whiteboard ● By Bobby Sutton / The Daily Gamecock

What: SAFARI meeting When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: RH, Room 315

WACKY WEDNESDAY TRIVIA 8 p.m., free Jillian’s, 800 Gervais St.

Men’s basketball

Florida 8 p.m.

Colonial Life Arena Women’s basketball

MSU Tomorrow, 7 p.m.

Colonial Life Arena Softball

CofC Friday, 5 p.m.

Beckham Field

BROADWAY IN COLUMBIA: CABARET 7:30 p.m., $45-55 Koger Center, 1051 Greene St.

TOMORROW WADSWORTH & FRIENDS CONCERT SERIES W/ EDWARD ARRON 7 p.m., $35 Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. SRSLY RECORDS PRESENTS: THE ARTICHOKES, HELLO TOMORROW, CHERRY CASE, ATTALAYA, THE FLOURESCENTS AND GRAYSCALE 7 p.m., $5 The White Mule, 1530 Main St. DANGERMUFFIN, THEE MAD FROGS, ALIEN CARNIVAL AND PLASTIC FANTASTIC LOVER 7:30 p.m., $5 over 21 / $7 under 21 New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St.

02/10/10

HOROSCOPES

1234567890-= A R I E S D o n’t b e surprised if folk s change their minds, big time. Don’t be quite so conservative; take an independent direction.

TAURUS Listen and learn.

While you may not hear what you expect, you definitely get the information you need to move forward tomorrow.

GEMINI Other people notice that you’re focused on independent t h ink ing a n d a c t i o n t o d a y. U s e t his awareness to settle a disagreement.

C

A

N

C

E

R

Uncomfortable around others, you don’t want to adapt at all. Even tiny changes feel revolutionary to your sensitive

soul. Do take at least one step.

different by the end of the day.

LEO Speak out loud and clear on issues that challenge your independence. Principles are hard come by and could be cherished.

SAGITTARIUS Don’t forget to grab the material you need first thing in the morning. Later today someone asks you to share.

V IRGO Change your tune where team effort is concerned. Switch between “ le ader ” a nd “ f ol lower ” roles. Forward momentum continues with little strain.

C A PR ICOR N Your thoughts are already on to the next project. But you still need to clean up details from the last one. Cost overruns are possible.

LIBRA You could begin the great A merican novel today. If the plot development allows, add a character who muses over loves lost and found.

AQUA R I US Sp end most of your energy today talk ing about the f uture.

Insights emerge even from casual comments.

SCORPIO W herever you start out in the morning, you’ll end up somewhere very

PISCES Don’t t h i n k you have to get your way on everything. Someone has a bright idea.

02/10/10

Solution from 02/09/10

ACROSS 1 Holy pilgrimage 5 Kids’ getaway 9 “Gimme a break!”

14 Nobelist Wiesel 15 “This looks like trouble” 16 Leonard Marx, familiarly 17 *“Get going!”

19 Peyotes, e.g.

20 She played Donna in the film “Mamma Mia!” 21 Sinus specialist, briefly 23 Baseball Hall of Famer Speaker 24 *1986 Pulitzerwinning Western novel 28 Feel the heat 31 Food critic Sheraton 32 “Bingo!”

33 X-Games bike, briefly 35 Run at a red light?

38 1968 Troggs Top 10 hit, and a hint to the hidden puzzle theme in the answers to starred clues 44 Jeans joint 45 Yield to gravity 46 Sportage maker 47 Fresh response 50 Serious-andfunny show 53 *Gunpowder, e.g.

57 They’re not returned 58 Bosox great 59 Comforting comment 63 Parts partner 65 *Duffer’s thrill 68 Native Alaskan 69 Treater’s words 70 Persian Gulf land 71 __ and all 72 Prime minister before Rabin 73 Ancient British Isles settler DOWN 1 Bridge position

2 Burn balm 3 Fashionable Christian 4 Stevenson physician 5 __-de-sac 6 Yellowfin tuna 7 Changes places 8 Rising star 9 N.C. State’s conference 10 “Who, me?”

11 Tiny 12 When Brutus sees Caesar’s ghost 13 Hullabaloo 18 Big-time 22 “I didn’t need to know that,” informally 25 Birds’ bills 26 Humorist Bombeck 27 Islamic leader 28 __ soda 29 Grinch victims 30 Place for Christmas lights 34 Tee choices 36 Gospel writer 37 Camelot lady 39 Removes gently 40 Eye-opening

Solution for 02/09/10

theater 41 Fellows 42 Rural prefix 43 Beatles’ “A __ in the Life” 48 Security threat 49 Course for weavers?

51 Fired up 52 Like some weights 53 Bochco series 54 City NW of Orlando 55 Brand on a patio, maybe

56 Hole site 60 Foal’s parent 61 Rink, often 62 Canterbury’s county 64 Some NFL linemen 66 Feature of a two-ltr. monogram 67 Neighbor of Aus

Men’s Basketball vs. Florida 8pm TONIGHT Women’s Basketball vs. Mississippi State 7pm Tomorrow vs. Arkansas 3pm Feb. 14

Photo: Kara Roach

Page 14

Thrilling rivalry continues Last-second scores becoming tradition in Florida-South Carolina series Sam Davis

STAFF WRITER

The thrilling series between the Florida Gators and the South Carolina Gamecocks will resume tonight at 8 p.m. in the Colonial Life Arena.

Since Darrin Horn took over as coach in 2008 and reshaped the team into a serious SEC contender, these two teams have collided on the hardwood to produce only the most exhilarating and electrifying finishes.

After last year’s season series was split with each team winning in front of its home crowd, the Gators claimed the rubber match in Gainesville less than three weeks ago in dramatic, buzzerbeating fashion once again.

“These games over the last three that we’ve played have been exciting and great college basketball games,” Horn said. “We’ve been fortunate to be on the good end that one time and not on the good end the two other times. But they’ve been really good college basketball games and they’ve been a lot of fun to be a part of.”

Now, heading into a huge SEC East battle with the Gators sitting one spot ahead of Carolina in the standings, Horn’s Gamecocks will look to conjure some of their own last-second magic, just as they did on the same court against the same team over one year ago.

Everyone within earshot of campus can likely recall the

last-second heroics of former center Mike Holmes’ one-handed heave that found a streaking Zam Fredrick on the other side of the court, who laid it in just as the buzzer sounded. But Carolina isn’t thinking of duplicating last year’s performance, or seeking revenge on the previous matchup that ended with mass celebration in Gainesville.

Instead, Horn and the players are focused on taking Saturday’s lackluster performance in Knoxville and making sure a repeat showing will not be witnessed by Carolina’s own fans.

“We won’t talk about [our last game against Florida] at all. I’m so focused on playing harder and being where we want to be as compared to how we played Saturday,” Horn said. “That’s what we need to do to have a chance to win. We’re not focused on payback. They made a play.”

As usual, Florida will pose a tremendous challenge to the Gamecocks no matter what arena the game is being played in. One element that makes coach Billy Donovan’s club such a tough team to take down is its experience and perseverance in close games. Already this season, Florida has played in nine games that were decided by less than five points. In those nine Ben Fine / THE DAILY GAMECOCK games, the Gators are 6-3. With the last three contests between Former guard Zam Fredrick hits a game-winning basket against these two teams coming down to the wire, that could be a key Florida last season at the Colonial Life Arena. factor in deciding the outcome tonight.

“They’re really balanced. Regardless of whether the numbers from Saturday’s 26-point route at the hands of the Volunteers is have changed a little bit, I just think they’re a good team,” Horn going to be needed. said. “They’ve won several close games. You get that when you “We didn’t play hard [on Saturday]. You’re not going to get good guard play and you’re getting contributions from do anything good when you don’t play hard,” Horn said. veterans. They’re playing well.”

“Hopefully our guys got a wake-up call.”

It’s not going to be an easy task for South Carolina tonight.

The team will need 100 percent effort from every player on the floor, a loud and influential Garnet Army crowd and some big Comments on this story? baskets down the stretch. Essentially, an opposite performance E-mail sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu

Tennis takes out Wolfpack Johannes Pulsort’s big day leads Carolina to defeat N.C. State Corbin Ensminger

THE DAILY GAMECOCK

A day after learning that coach Kent DeMars would be retiring, the USC tennis team played host to North Carolina State. Carolina won the match 4-3, led by a strong performance from junior Johannes Pulsfort.

Pulsfort’s doubles team traded points until teammate Alexander Kostanov was able to hold his serve to give them a 5-4 lead. The match was tied 6-6, and Kostanov had to serve his way out of a love-30 hole. The team fought back and was finally able to close the match and win 8-6.

“The doubles point was key. It was a point difference to win it and we came out in that,” DeMars said.

A few hours later, Pulsfort again found himself in the pivotal match, this time facing

N.C. State sophomore Akash Gujarati. At the start of the second set, South Carolina was up 3-2, which gave Pulsfort the chance to clinch the victory.

“He had to win that match or we lose,” DeMars said.

After trading service breaks, Pulsfort won 6-3, 6-2.

“That was a huge push for my selfconfidence, since I haven’t been playing well lately, but today is a good turn-around point for me,” Pulsfort said.

Senior Pedro Campos also had a successful day, winning his doubles and single match.

He and his partner, senior Ivan Cressoni, defeated the team of Dominic Hodgson and Dave Thomson 8-4. Campos easily won his singles match over Rob Lowe 6-0, 6-3 to give South Carolina a 2-0 lead. “[Campos] played really big. He’s a senior here playing great,” DeMars said.

Pulsfort praised DeMars, who announced that he is retiring at the end of the season after

coaching at USC for 26 years.

“It’s always an honor to play for coaches like that, who have been an institution at their specific programs,” Pulsfort said.

The number one player for the Gamecocks, senior Diego Cubas, did not have his best day, as he lost both of his matches. The first, with sophomore teammate Ivan Machado, ended in a 9-7 loss. In single play, he faced the Wolfpack’s Jaime Pulgar. Cubas dropped a close first set, 7-6, and the second 6-3.

“We were ranked one spot different than them in the national rankings, so that pretty well tells you that the two teams are even,” DeMars said.

With the win, South Carolina improves its record to 4-2. They next play on February 14th, when Elon comes to Columbia.

“It’s a great win for our team since we’ve been struggling a little bit in the beginning of the season, but I think we can turn the ship around,” Pulsfort said.

Kara Roache / THE DAILY GAMECOCK

Diego Cubas and Ivan Machado compete in doubles against N.C. State yesterday.

Comments on this story?

E-mail sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu

SEC PR: Home Alone Edition Kevin McCallister takes time away from protecting home to rank SEC basketball ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

(No Change)

“Probably looking at some very fine jewelry. Possible cash hoard.

Odd marketable securities ... Who knows. It’s a gem.”

The Wildcats (22-1, 7-1) have been playing with an edge ever since their loss in Columbia, r at t l i ng of f t h ree st r a ight blowout w i ns. T he h icc up ag a i n st USC a side, U K is looking like a special team with the ability to do special things come March.

2. VANDERBILT (No change)

“Hey, hey! You gotta watch out for traffic, son. You know?”

The No. 22 Commodores (175, 6-2) were seemingly chugging along, until they got run over in Athens by Georgia.

3. TENNESSEE (No change)

“This is it! Don’t get me scared now!”

On a three game win streak, the No. 12 Vols (18-4, 6-2) have seemingly righted their ship and are playing fearless basketball. Can they keep it up?

4. FLORIDA

(Up 4)

“There are 15 people in this house, you’re the only one who has to make trouble.”

5-3)

The Razorbacks (12-11, will not make the tournament barring a miracle in Nashville come March. However, despite their poor record, they simply refuse to roll over, and in the most inexplicable stat of the year, are in sole possession of first place in the West.

James Kratch

1. KENTUCKY

5. ARKANSAS

“Bombs away!”

(No Change) The Gators (17-6, 6-3) have been lighting it up from the arc over the last few weeks, going 6-1 in the process to thrust themselves back into NCA A Tournament contention. A win tonight against the Gamecocks would likely solidify an at-large berth for the time being.

6.. M 6 MISS. IS STATE (Down 1)

“This is my house, I have to defend it.”

The Bulldogs (16-7, 4-4) are struggling mightily. However, if they can defend their home against Ole Miss on Saturday, they might be able to salvage the season and find a way into the dance.

7. OLE MISS (Down 1)

“You be positive. I’ll be realistic.”

The Rebels (17-6, 5-4) have been hot and cold of late.

They’re holding out hope in Oxford that this is a phase, but given history, that’s a big leap of faith.

8.. SOUTH 8 CAROLINA C A

“All the great ones leave their mark.”

(Down 1)

Yeah, it was just 26 points, but Devan Downey’s unreal run has kept the Gamecocks (13-9, 4-4) alive after losing two starters. Nobody will ever approach the level of dominance that the great Pete Maravich once played at, but Downey is having one special season.

9. GEORGIA

“He’s only a kid, Harry. We can take him.”

(Up 2)

That’s what everybody keeps thinking when they face the Bulldogs (10-11, 2-6). But, somehow the ‘Dawgs either lose close, or if you’re Vanderbilt or Tennessee, fi nd a way to embarrass you. Nobody wants any part of UGA any time soon.

10. ALABAMA

“Just stay up there. I don’t want to see you (Down 2) again for the rest of After a loss at Ole Miss gave the the night.”

Crimson Tide (13-10, 3-6) its sixth loss in seven games, coach Anthony Grant took near an hour to get to the press conference, where he challenged his team’s toughness and heart. The Tide had postseason hopes earlier this year, but things are starting to fall apart.

11. AUBURN (Down 1)

“What are we gonna do to him, Harry?”

The Auburn faithful are wondering what exactly to do with coach Jeff Lebo. Lebo saved his job last year with a strong fi nish, but he’s struggling this year. If the seniorladen Tigers (11-12, 2-6) don’t fi nish respectably, expect a coaching change as AU moves into a new arena next fall.

12. LSU

(No Change)

“You guys give up? Or are you thirsty for more?”

A road trip to Auburn on Feb. 27 is likely the only thing between the Tigers (9-14, 0-9) and a winless SEC season.

Comments on this story?

E-mail sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu

The Daily Gamecock ● WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010

PAGE 16

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